Frank Sinatra was many things to many people, but to Ray Eves he was quite simply a great storyteller.

“He always told the story of a song. He said the written word came first, and the music afterwards. And what Frank said went!” smiles Ray. “He had a phenomenal range but his phrasing is always the thing I notice every time I listen to him singing, it blows me away.”

Ray has a solo career as a Frank Sinatra act and is appearing as the legendary singer in Christmas Crooners, coming to Bradford next week.

The show pays tribute to the music and songs of Frank, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby, (played by Duane Gooden and Chris Vincent), creating the swing sound with the Jazz All-Stars Band live on stage.

Featuring more than 40 hits, most of them festive, including Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire, Little Drummer Boy and White Christmas, as well as swing arrangements of Christmas carols such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, 12 Days of Christmas and Silent Night, the show is staged with a fireplace and seasonal decor, creating a nostalgic glow.

“We perform individually and as group; it’s a swing show and the appeal of that era has never gone away,” says Ray. “It’s timeless music that we’ve all grown up with. Sinatra was one of the most famous performers of the century. My father was young when he was in his prime and I’ve always had his music in my life. I saw him a few years before he died, he still sounded good.”

Ray says the lasting appeal of Ole Blue Eyes and his music is largely down to the storytelling. “That’s what strikes a chord with people. It’s perfect for this time of year,” he says.

He studies footage of Sinatra to get the voice and mannerisms just right. “I’m always working on it,” he says. “It’s not just an impression. I’m an actor as well as a singer so I want to make the act more of a characterisation.”

After graduating from drama school in London, Ray went straight into musical theatre, touring Europe playing Claude in a production of Hair followed by roles in The Fantastics and Kiss Me Kate. He has also toured the UK in An Evening of Jazz and Swing and The Wizard of Oz.

His film credits include the Oscar-nominated Bollywood production Lagaan and the Film Four production of Procter.

Ray was also a co writer/performer in Sports Revue Ltd’s An evening with Roberto Baggio, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

He’s keen to do more musical theatre, and would particularly like roles in Cabaret, Piaf and Les Miserables.

“The West End is thriving right now, it seems that when times are tough we crave the kind of escapism that musical theatre offers,” he says.

Christmas Crooners is at St George’s Hall on Friday, December 21 at 7.30pm. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.